​Our fifth graders have been working hard over the past couple of library visits, freshening up their skills and adding new ones around the use of our online catalog. At HKA, we are fortunate to have Follett’s Destiny as our library software. It supports us, the librarians, in the running of our libraries and is a fantastic tool in leading students to books they will enjoy reading as well as to reliable information sources, print and electronic. The online catalog, of course, also provides a great window into our libraries’ collection, a window that remains open 24/7.

​Revisiting literary genres and how they help in categorizing books, provided a great way of getting a conversation started about the difference between “keyword” and “subject” searches in the online catalog. In groups, students categorized and labeled books in terms of “big ideas”, one being the respective literary genre, the other representing a main theme in the book. It was great seeing how quickly students were able to complete the task. 

​The following week, we practiced the actual searches, as we tried to find resources about inventions. Students were surprised to see that starting with a subject search was a more efficient way to begin as it narrows down the list of possible resources right away, excluding random titles not relevant to the main topic.

As a follow up, students got a chance to try locating the actual books on our shelf. In doing this, we revisited the makeup of call numbers and the setup and arrangement of materials around our library.

​This week, we practiced searching for websites through our online catalog (WebPath Express) and how to add print and online resources to resource lists. ​The "Resource Lists" feature seemed to get the greatest interest. Since our fifth graders are now able to log into their own library accounts, they can compile personal resource lists on any topic they are currently inquiring about and interested in. They can also create lists of books they would like to check out for their recreational reading. 

Here three brief tutorials on how to make searches in the online catalog:

​I encourage our fifth graders to continue practicing and applying these skills as they search for books and websites on topics of interest. The catalog is the best place to find reliable information sources and reading materials efficiently while searching in an environment that is student-friendly.

​Any time students need a refresher for one of the different search strategies, the above-embedded tutorials as well as others can be found on our only2clicks page, under “Library101”. 

Hey Fifth Graders, how about giving mum or dad an introduction on how to use our online catalog? Impress them with your skills and show them what amazing resources we have available in our library (and yes, parents are welcome to check out from our libraries as well :)

"This is going to be so helpful during check out!", was one of the first things I heard a student say, as third graders began exploring the Destiny Quest app on their iPads last week. Our third graders are the first cohort enjoying a 1:1 iPad program here at HKA. What a great opportunity to show them how the Destiny Quest app helps them to gain more independence in searching for resources in our library.

It didn't take our students much time to discover more and more of the great features of this app, which is a window into our library and a (mobile) guide to the best print, digital and online resources on any topic of interest and for recreational reading materials. Students were excited to discover that the app helps them find books by favorite authors and on topics they are curious about; it shows them the status of specific library books as well as their personal library account (including access to their check out history and the option to reserve books currently checked out); they can find ideas and recommendations on what to read next by browsing through the Top Ten list and new additions to our collection as well as by exploring reviews and ratings other library users have posted; the app also supports keeping track of one's reading through online bookshelves to which students can add books they have read, are currently reading or want to read in future. Definitely a fantastic tool to support inquiry and lifelong reading habits (in particular book selection, making reading plans and sharing books with other readers)!

The best part of introducing the Destiny Quest app was seeing students make use right away of their iPads during check out, as they searched for books in the catalog, then walked right over to the shelves with their iPads to look for the book. This was of course also a wonderful opportunity for our students to put into practice their knowledge about the library's set up, the arrangement of materials as well as call numbers, which we had revisited over the past weeks.

Below are two brief tutorials that provide an overview of what the app has to offer, how it helps you to stay connected to our library and its resources anytime and anyplace. Two important steps to get started if you would like to set up the app also on your iPad at home (you can, of course access Destiny Quest and our online catalog also through your computer):
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1. Download the app from the Apple Store through this link.
2. Connect the app to our library catalog by adding the URL http://library.hkacademy.edu.hk

Don't hesitate to contact me, should you have any questions regarding the use of Destiny Quest - or ask your third grader to give you a tour and encourage them to share with you how they are using it.